Stalker jailed after tracking his victim in Rushden by putting an Airtag in her car
A man who stalked a woman by putting an AirTag in her car to track her movements has been jailed for 30 months.
When Wayne Stead's relationship with the woman broke down, he began to call and message her at all hours, turn up unannounced at her home and made threats to harm her in Rushden.
When she came forward to Northamptonshire Police in August 2024, she told officers she had moved into a hotel and was in fear for her life.
Stead, 48, was charged with stalking involving serious alarm/distress but ahead of a planned trial, Stead changed his plea to guilty at Northampton Crown Court in April.
He's since been jailed for 30 months.
SPC Rich Horsburgh said: 'The ordeal that Wayne Stead subjected this woman to was nothing short of horrific.
'Her bravery in coming forward, despite her very real fear that he would make good on his threats to harm her, is remarkable and she should be very proud that her courage has resulted in Stead admitting his guilt and receiving a custodial sentence.
'No-one should have to change the way they live, or live in fear, because of the unacceptable behaviour of someone who claims to love them.
"Stead's behaviour was not love, and I hope he continues to take responsibility for his actions and change for the better."
Stead was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman in any way or going to the area around her home.
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